BY LUIS ANGEL PEREZ MARTINEZ
Patriotic feeling was in the air at a Veterans Day event at the Federation of Italian Organizations of Brooklyn (FIAO) in Bath Beach. Officials who came out were Council Member Susan Zhuang of District 43 and Assembly Member William Colton, who honored local veterans on November 12th.
Forty-five veterans attended the event at FIAO, representing many branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
Many were very excited to talk to the officials and make a personal connection with the people who run the area. The veterans got thank-you cards from children at P.S. 186.
Susan Zhuang says, “It was an honor to join Assemblyman Colton in recognizing the veterans who have served our community with such courage and commitment. Honoring their services is important, but matching that respect with real action is even more important.” She promised to keep working with her colleagues to expand and improve benefits and services, and to ensure South Brooklyn won’t be overlooked.
The ceremony opened with Deacon Anthony Mammoliti of St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church, who began with a prayer. Deacon Anthony was an army veteran himself who was recognized for his decades of service. The ceremony ended with another prayer from Iman Ahmed Ali of IQRA Masjid, a community non-profit.
Another local official, Assemblyman William Colton, reminded everyone in the room about the importance of Veterans Day. “Each one of them put their life on to serve the American people, supported by their families, who make sacrifices every day so they can answer the call of duty… These ceremonies are meant to remind everyone of the important role veterans have played in the life of our country. No words can express our gratitude for all they have given and continue to give. We need to provide for our veterans. We need to make sure the government works for you.”